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This is the first injury specific text that, I have felt, brings together, and acknowledges, all parties involved in rehabilitation (medical staff to athlete to support networks). My medical colleagues (doctors, physiotherapists, masseurs, etc) should read this book and recognise that, if psychological recovery from injury is not included, they run the risk of an incomplete, possibly extended, rehabilitation programme for their athletes.

One of the main attractions of this book is that it teaches others how to make assessments and implement programmes without necessarily requiring a psychologist for the entire rehabilitation programme. I enjoyed the journey from injury, assessment, rehabilitation, recovery, and return to sport. However, I feel that the acknowledgement of the support networks, although important, became a little confusing at times, and possibly would have been best placed within chapter 6 on creating an environment conducive to recovery.

Chapter 2 was by far the most valuable. The explanations offered for various assessment procedures take away some of the uncertainty often held in psychological assessments, and led nicely into subsequent chapters acknowledging the roles of physicians and physiotherapists in the rehabilitation process. Periodising the mental rehabilitation programme in conjunction with the rest of the medical areas was refreshing and clear, and once again validated the psychological aspects of recovery.

A thorough explanation, and demystifying, of relaxation strategies was important in chapter 7, but some of the most practical information was provided by Andersen on the effect of injury on the athlete. The referred model of injury explained in this chapter was simple, practical, and something all practitioners could work through and understand in relation to athletes that they are currently treating.

In summary, I found the inclusion of other practitioners, the establishment of the need for a team approach, and cross referring very appealing and helpful in educating colleagues and re-educating myself. This is the first injury rehabilitation book that I feel hits every consideration necessary for everyone involved in the process, from the athlete to those involved beyond recovery.

At times the language moved quickly from technical to practical viewpoints, and became quite verbose in overexplaining what should have been quite simple concepts. It did create moments of confusion, but overall I felt it was logically presented and considered the target audience.

Overall, Crossman has provided one of the most complete and credible injury texts available, and a valuable resource for all sports medicine practitioners. This book will become a working resource in my practice and hopefully with my colleagues.

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